An On-Chip Method for Long-Term Growth and Real-Time Imaging of Brain Organoids

Curr Protoc Cell Biol. 2018 Dec;81(1):e62. doi: 10.1002/cpcb.62. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Abstract

Brain organoids are an emerging technique for studying human neurodevelopment in vitro, with biomedical implications. However, three-dimensional tissue culture poses several challenges, including lack of nutrient exchange at the organoid core and limited imaging accessibility of whole organoids. Here we present a method for culturing organoids in a micro-fabricated device that enables in situ real-time imaging over weeks with efficient nutrient exchange by diffusion. Our on-chip approach offers a means for studying the dynamics of organoid development, cell differentiation, cell cycle, and motion. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Keywords: 3D cell culture; brain organoids; human pluripotent stem cells; lab on a chip; microfabrication; neurodevelopment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Computer Systems*
  • Embryoid Bodies / cytology
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / chemistry
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Organoids / growth & development*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
  • Polyethylene Glycols

Grants and funding